Event
James River Transportation Festival: Rivers, Rails, & Roads
Fee:
Free.Dates & Times
Date:
Time:
Duration:
Type of Event
Description
Travel through the James River Gorge has evolved from foot, to boat, to rail, and our modern highway road system. About the only form of transportation that does not use the James River Gorge today is flight! Learn more about the vital role the James River has played in Virginia history & transportation over the past few hundred years on Saturday July 27, 2019 from 10AM to 4PM at the James River Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 63.
Check out the replica Batteau “Slate River” first hand, discover for yourself why Virginians built a canal system rather than simply floating the unimproved James River, why a railroad would buy an entire canal system, and learn some of the design secrets that make the Blue Ridge Parkway ‘America’s Favorite Drive’ during the festival.
A variety of transportation exhibitors and displays will be on site including:
- The Virginia Canals and Navigation Society to share the history of the James River and Kanawha Canal dating back to George Washington.
- The replica batteau “Slate River” (pre-canal river transportation).
- Antique automobiles from the Antique Automobile Club of America.
- The restored Battery Creek Lift Lock which allowed boats to be raised or lowered 13 feet.
- National Park Service Rangers discussing the unique design of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This free event will be spread out along the James River Canal Trail to highlight parts of the old canal system (Lift Lock – Tow Path – Slackwater entry point – Prism). Bring your cameras to this picturesque setting to record your memories!
Kids are invited complete the Blue Ridge Parkway’s free Junior Ranger Program to earn a certificate, badge, patch, and pin. The event focus will be on the James River activity sheet.
For more information, contact Peter Hamel at (828) 348-3528 or Peter_Hamel@nps.gov
Reservation or Registration: No
Image Gallery
NPS Photo